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New York Republican Rep. George Santos has been criminally charged by federal prosecutors.
Santos, the controversial lawmaker who has come under fire for telling numerous lies during his 2022 campaign, is expected in court this week.
“Santos is expected to appear as soon as Wednesday at federal court in New York’s eastern district, where the charges have been filed under seal. The exact nature of the charges couldn’t immediately be learned but the FBI and the Justice Department public integrity prosecutors in New York and Washington have been examining allegations of false statements in Santos’ campaign finance filings and other claims,” CNN reported.
“The freshman congressman, who was elected last year to represent a district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens, has been under investigation in multiple jurisdictions and by the House Ethics Committee. Top Democrats, joined by some New York Republicans, have been calling on Santos to resign over allegations ranging from criminal behavior on the campaign trail to petty personal dishonesty stretching back more than a decade,” the outlet added.
Santos has admitted to making some misleading claims but denies several of the more serious allegations.
Federal prosecutors file criminal charges against New York Rep. George Santos, three sources tell CNN. Exact nature of the charges are not known. https://t.co/wnAFtAws1m
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 9, 2023
Tapper: George Santos of New York is now facing criminal charges. pic.twitter.com/MJ5Kq3n6iU
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 9, 2023
After winning his election in November’s midterms, Santos argued against liberal policies that “allow dangerous criminals to roam our cities and streets.”
“Criminals must be held accountable for their actions. Democrats in New York and across the country are putting criminals above law-abiding citizens,” he claimed according to the New York Post. “Our community is becoming more and more dangerous at the hands of Democrat leadership.”
Santos earned six law enforcement endorsements from police unions across New York’s Third Congressional District and across Long Island.
“Law enforcement across New York is tired of being demonized by the Democrat Party.” Santos said. “They see that the DC elitists will never have their back, which is why they trust me to be a voice for them in Washington. These men and women make it their job to protect us, so I am making it my mission to protect them. I will be a firm advocate for federally funding our law enforcement and ensuring that they have the resources they need to protect themselves and our law-abiding citizens. The crime trickling in from New York City is impacting our area at record levels. This crisis must be stopped immediately through common sense solutions to keep us safe from rogue and anti-police Democrat policies.”
“The people of New York have spoken and it is clear that crime is the top issue this November. George Santos is proud to have the support of local law enforcement and he looks forward to working alongside them to ensure the safety of New York’s Third Congressional District,” Santos added.
“Our brave officers in New York’s Third District deserve a strong voice and advocate in Washington,” Santos said. “I am the candidate in this race with a strong commitment to providing our officers the resources they need to protect themselves and our law-abiding citizens. Law enforcement is backing me because they know I will have their back in Washington. The crime trickling in from New York City is impacting our area at record levels. This crisis must be stopped immediately through common sense solutions to keep us safe from rogue and anti-police Democrat policies.”
However, several Republican lawmakers have even called for Santos to resign.
